According to ESPN:

UCLA expects starting quarterback Kevin Prince, who broke his jaw in the waning moments of the win at Tennessee, to be "at least available" to play against Oregon on Oct. 10, according to coach Rick Neuhiesel.

The Bruins are off this weekend, so if Prince, a redshirt freshman, returns for the Oregon game he'd only miss last week's game with Kansas State and next week's visit to Stanford.

"We just got a call from the doctor saying all the healing is going as expected," Neuheisel said.

This is what we all expected. I work as a dental asst. and my father was an oral surgeon. He should have them taken out a few days prior to the game and should be fine. He is playing a violent sport  and if he was any average person he would be notified that it would probably take a week or 2 after getting the wires removed to feel normal. Since he does play a violent sport he may experience more discomfort than your average person after they have been taken out.

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You know who you are.

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I came to the site and had a very intelligent debate about the REAL FIRST GAME of the season for both teams.

There is no reason in me telling you about how I think the game will go...but I geuss I have to otherwise this fanpost will turn into nothing.

Both teams have seemed to have improved over last season and have a little rivalry going. Minus the teams talking trash to each other. I think it will be a close defensive game all the way to the final minute. A Kai forbath field goal winning the game for UCLA late.

What's your prediction on the score and how the game will play out?

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The lakers have already seen this magic team....theyre called the denver nuggets!

Compare the teams and you'll notice the fact that

1.Denver is better 2.The style of play is very similiar.

If Denver played the Magic in the Finals who would you pick 2 win...I would go with Denver here's why.

PG advantage Denver. Billups/Carter > Alston/Johnson

SG Advantage Even. JR Smith/Jones = C.Lee/M.Pietrus

SF Advantage Denver. Carmelo/Klieza > Turkoglu(he's the only guy because lewis plays PF)

PF Advantage Even. R.Lewis = K.Martin (quick explination, Kmart can shut down Dirk Nowitski/David west because theyre perimeter Power Forwards and Rashrd Lewis is not better than Dirk/Dwest.)

C Advantage Orl. D.Howard > Nene

The Lakers Smashed Denver in their building by 27 and I think dever is a better team.

Denver shoots a lot of 3pt shots but they do it in a MORE effective way that really hurts the Lakers.

Denver drives and kick with great penetrators while Orl does a pick in roll with 1 penetrator Turkoglu. Both are effetive BUT the Lakers have a terrible time with dribble penetration by multiple guys(Billups/JR  Smith/Carmelo) NOT pick and roll penetration by 1 guy.

They are totally diferent ways to get into the Lakers underated defense Top 10 defense.

Plus Dever has more Low post threats than Orl.

Billups Carmelo and Nene are threats in the low post.

Orl has 1 low post threat in Howard who dominated the cavs frontline, but had a much tougher time with guys like Kendrick Perkins and imo Bynum(Who is better than Perkins)

The Lakers can handle the Magic cause they dont have the same mismatches that the cavs had. Rashard doesnt have an advantage over Pau because Pau can abuse Lewis when he has the ball on offense and put him in foul trouble. Rashard Lewis doesnt have an advantage over Lamar Odom, they are basicaly eqaul physical talents.

I know your season is over but i would like to make 1 last point.

If the Nuggets wouldve beat the lakers i would pick the Nuggets to win the title vs either Cavs or Magic. The west had the 2 best teams in the playoffs imo

Good luck next season, you guys are great fans.

The lakers have already seen this magic team....theyre called the denver nuggets!

Compare the teams and you'll notice the fact that

1.Denver is better 2.The style of play is very similiar.

If Denver played the Magic in the Finals who would you pick 2 win...I would go with Denver here's why.

PG advantage Denver. Billups/Carter > Alston/Johnson

SG Advantage Even. JR Smith/Jones = C.Lee/M.Pietrus

SF Advantage Denver. Carmelo/Klieza > Turkoglu(he's the only guy because lewis plays PF)

PF Advantage Even. R.Lewis = K.Martin (quick explination, Kmart can shut down Dirk Nowitski/David west because theyre perimeter Power Forwards and Rashrd Lewis is not better than Dirk/Dwest.)

C Advantage Orl. D.Howard > Nene

The Lakers Smashed Denver in their building by 27 and I think dever is a better team.

Denver shoots a lot of 3pt shots but they do it in a MORE effective way that really hurts the Lakers.

Denver drives and kick with great penetrators while Orl does a pick in roll with 1 penetrator Turkoglu. Both are effetive BUT the Lakers have a terrible time with dribble penetration by multiple guys(Billups/JR  Smith/Carmelo) NOT pick and roll penetration by 1 guy.

They are totally diferent ways to get into the Lakers underated defense Top 10 defense.

Plus Dever has more Low post threats than Orl.

Billups Carmelo and Nene are threats in the low post.

Orl has 1 low post threat in Howard who dominated the cavs frontline, but had a much tougher time with guys like Kendrick Perkins and imo Bynum(Who is better than Perkins)

The Lakers can handle the Magic cause they dont have the same mismatches that the cavs had. Rashard doesnt have an advantage over Pau because Pau can abuse Lewis when he has the ball on offense and put him in foul trouble. Rashard Lewis doesnt have an advantage over Lamar Odom, they are basiccaly eqaul physical talents.

It will be intriging the 1st 3 games but after that the media will see that the Lakers are the better TEAM and we can thank the nuggets.

orl is a better match-up 1.pg adv even- 1st time in playoffs lakers get an even if not adv in this catorgory

2.Who is rashard lewis going to defend Pau or Bynum- He is amazing against cle cause he doesnt have to plat defense! Pau will put him in foul trouble which tales him out of the game, thus making him useless.

3.Home court adv.

4. Kobe kills Pietrus/C.lee and those are the only guys who can play him

5.Trevor Ariza vs Turkoglu adv even. Yes its even! why? because Turk plays no defense, he doesnt have a low post game to take adv of his hieght and Ariza can stay in fron od him on the perimeter.

6. Lamar Odom playing defense on Turk or R.lewis

7. Dwight Howard vs Bynum-I think Bynum is way better than Kendrick Perkins and perkins slowed him down by making howard catch it outside the paint, making him use those below average post moves.

8. Health-By wining on fri and playing on thurs the lakers will have good health and extra energy from the home crowd 

Lakers in 5 maybe 6 

Im making my 1st fanpost here, i usually prefer to talk to opposing teams fans because i like to get their point of view. It gives me perspective. Im respectful of them even though I INSTANTLY GET ATTACKED. People think that because im a lakers fan that i cant be objective but, that couldn't be further from the truth.

History repeats itself but, if the Cavs win a title it would MAKE HISTORY.

1. The Cavs are different from every other great defensive team. Extremely different, I cant think of a great CHAMPION defensive team that resembles this Cavs team. Im a huge hoops fan and I DARE YOU to find a Championship team that reminds you of this Cavs team.  

The most similair is the Bulls because of the lack of a true low post scorer/defender but, you cant say the Bulls because who is the defensive "Scottie Pippen" on the Cavs roster? LBJ fills both roles which is way different from the Bulls cause the Bulls had 2 guys(MJ and Scottie) who could do what 1 LBJ can do defensively and they still have major differences.

Offensively the Cavs run an offense that is pretty basic and perimeter based, the Bulls ran the Triangle offense an offense that is about mid range and closer shot opprtunities. The Bulls had a very  skilled and athletic host of bigs in both 3peat runs. People forget guys like 6-10 Tony Kukoc and 6-9 Bison Dele, those Bulls teams scored around 105-110ppg much more than the Cavs 100ppg.

2. It looks like the Magic/Lakers are the teams the Cavs are going to have to beat to win the Championship. Both of these teams have had success against the Cavs for 1 major reason.

Styles make fights. In Boxing sometimes a fighter cant beat another fighter because of his style. For example some guys hate fighting taller boxers some hate fighting southpaws etc.

The Cavs hate playing Magic/Lakers(1win4losses) why?

Long Athletic Bigs and a young "Bruce Bowen" type wing defender. Both the Magic/Lakers have this combination. Nobody can stop LBJ but, he didnt dominate these teams for a reason. 

These teams have the players to slow down his assult on the rim, forcing LBJ to shoot more mid range and long jumpers which hurts the Cavs in another major area...Free throws/Drawing Fouls.

3.LBJ can drop 50 points without dunking the basketball once, he is that good. But if he doesnt get to the rim these teams win the free throw battle because nobody else on the Cavs can draw fouls against these teams. Teams that win the Free throw battle usaully win the game because free throws are easy to make, get fouled and score 2 points you dont even need to have a great shooting night to effect the game.

4.LBJ and the Cavs cant win the REBOUNDING BATTLE against these teams. Lamar Odom looked like Wilt Chamberlain on the glass vs the Cavs and Dwight Howard owns the glass.These teams have more talented bigs who are better rebounders FORCING the cavs to shoot a high percentage because there aren't many 2nd chance opportunities.

The cavs shoot a lot of 3 pointers which are low percentage shots(Around 40-45% is great from 3) and the Cavs dont have a low post scorer who gets them easy buckets, the Cavs bigs are jumpshooters, which are lower percentage shots that dont draw fouls either. For example Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard shoot around 55-65% because they shoot closer to the rim, well howard just dunks it alot.

5.LBJ is great but he cant play defense against the Bigs of LA/ORL. The Cavs will have to help more on defending the paint, which will leave more open perimeter shots. The Bigs of LA/ORL draw alot of fouls which hurts the defense of the rim and like i stated earlier allows teams to score more from the FREE THROW LINE.

I Believe the Cavs can win the title but, it will be very very difficult. They must protect home court, its the Cavs biggest advantage in these playoffs. And LBJ better drop about 40 plus a night, which he can do, but it might still need 7 games against LA/ORL.

Im making my 1st fanpost here, i usually prefer to talk to opposing teams fans because i like to get their point of view. It gives me perspective. Im respectful of them even though I INSTANTLY GET ATTACKED. People think that because im a lakers fan that i cant be objective but, that couldn't be further from the truth.

History repeats itself but, if the Cavs win a title it would MAKE HISTORY.

1. The Cavs are different from every other great defensive team. Extremely different, I cant think of a great CHAMPION defensive team that resembles this Cavs team. Im a huge hoops fan and I DARE YOU to find a Championship team that reminds you of this Cavs team.  

The most similair is the Bulls because of the lack of a true low post scorer/defender but, you cant say the Bulls because who is the defensive "Scottie Pippen" on the Cavs roster? LBJ fills both roles which is way different from the Bulls cause the Bulls had 2 guys(MJ and Scottie) who could do what 1 LBJ can do defensively and they still have major differences.

Offensively the Cavs run an offense that is pretty basic and perimeter based, the Bulls ran the Triangle offense an offense that is about mid range and closer shot opprtunities. The Bulls had a very  skilled and athletic host of bigs in both 3peat runs. People forget guys like 6-10 Tony Kukoc and 6-9 Bison Dele, those Bulls teams scored around 105-110ppg much more than the Cavs 100ppg.

2. It looks like the Magic/Lakers are the teams the Cavs are going to have to beat to win the Championship. Both of these teams have had success against the Cavs for 1 major reason.

Styles make fights. In Boxing sometimes a fighter cant beat another fighter because of his style. For example some guys hate fighting taller boxers some hate fighting southpaws etc.

The Cavs hate playing Magic/Lakers(1win4losses) why?

Long Athletic Bigs and a young "Bruce Bowen" type wing defender. Both the Magic/Lakers have this combination. Nobody can stop LBJ but, he didnt dominate these teams for a reason. 

These teams have the players to slow down his assult on the rim, forcing LBJ to shoot more mid range and long jumpers which hurts the Cavs in another major area...Free throws/Drawing Fouls.

3.LBJ can drop 50 points without dunking the basketball once, he is that good. But if he doesnt get to the rim these teams win the free throw battle because nobody else on the Cavs can draw fouls against these teams. Teams that win the Free throw battle usaully win the game because free throws are easy to make, get fouled and score 2 points you dont even need to have a great shooting night to effect the game.

4.LBJ and the Cavs cant win the REBOUNDING BATTLE against these teams. Lamar Odom looked like Wilt Chamberlain on the glass vs the Cavs and Dwight Howard owns the glass.These teams have more talented bigs who are better rebounders FORCING the cavs to shoot a high percentage because there aren't many 2nd chance opportunities.

The cavs shoot a lot of 3 pointers which are low percentage shots(Around 40-45% is great from 3) and the Cavs dont have a low post scorer who gets them easy buckets, the Cavs bigs are jumpshooters, which are lower percentage shots that dont draw fouls either. For example Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard shoot around 55-65% because they shoot closer to the rim, well howard just dunks it alot.

5.LBJ is great but he cant play defense against the Bigs of LA/ORL. The Cavs will have to help more on defending the paint, which will leave more open perimeter shots. The Bigs of LA/ORL draw alot of fouls which hurts the defense of the rim and like i stated earlier allows teams to score more from the FREE THROW LINE.

I Believe the Cavs can win the title but, it will be very very difficult. They must protect home court, its the Cavs biggest advantage in these playoffs. And LBJ better drop about 40 plus a night, which he can do, but it might still need 7 games against LA/ORL.

 

First let me say i prefer to chat with fans of the opposing teams rather than the dodgers. i get a different outlook from opposing fans, i like that.

The fans who blog here are really insightful and give the same respect they get. Thanks for the positive and well thought out response from you guys.(Even tho im the enemy)

This post isnt about the positives its about the negatives of each NL West ballclub.

San Deigo Padres: Everything is a concern. Not going to waste much time on the Padres. If Ron Burgandy was hitting Clean-up I would have something to say. J.Peavy might be gone...their concerns are endless.

Colorado Rockies:

Starting Pitching-Francis done for the season was a major blow. They werent very strong with him. Defense-Outfield defense is a big concern with that high altitude and tons of ground to cover. Balls carry and "bloop" singles happen a ton because they have to play so deep. Strikeouts-They must hit for a higher batting average and walk more, you cant get yourself out of innings when you dont have great pitching. M.Holliday was a leader/MVP canidate and thats very hard to replace.

Giants:

Offense:Can anyone hit?!?? This is the worst offense in the bigs bar none. Not too much else to say other than the defense isn't that good either. Why didnt they go after A.Dunn and B.Abreu/G.Anderson? If they make these moves they are probably the favorite in the division.

Imagine 1.E.Renteria/2.B.Abreu/3.A.Rowand/4.A.Dunn/

5.B.Molina/6.F.Lewis/7.T.Ishikawa/8.K.Frandsen...Pretty good, hell its great when you have T.Lincecum on the mound.

Dodgers:

Starting Pitching-It might be enough to hang around the top of the NLwest with the Dbacks, but its obvious that the dodgers are looking for a "R.Harden" Type of mid-season trade from someone looking to unload a contract/good player.

My insight says that the dodgers are looking at these cheaper pitchers early on. They might be looking for talent and upside to go with a veteran ballclub.

Rockies SP U.Jiminez -Nasty fastball and decent off-speed stuff 3.99 era last year. Question his delivery though.(3.99 era @ Coors field imagine what that number could be at dodger staduim)

Pirates SP Ian Snell-Fastball around 92-94mph, good contol of off-speed stuff 5.42era. Very consistant delivery and his era is high but his stuff is good, players are different depending on who they play with and where they play.

Pedro Martinez- He could be a very smart move if he signs a R.Clemens type deal. Imagine a healthy Pedro for 20 starts/half a season, he could be very good in that time frame.

R.Wolf- Can he stay healthy?? If he cant this will be a big concern for the Dodgers, he wasnt the last time the Dodgers signed him. When he was healthy he was very good. He is good but only if he can stay on the field, last year was the 1st time in 3 years he started 30 or more games.

Not much else wrong with this club imo. Bench-good Defense-good Offense-good Manager/coaches-good Bullpen-good.

Let me know if i forgot a weakness/concern im trying to be non-bias.

Arizona Dbacks:

Strikeouts and Stolen bases- One was too high and the other was too low. The Dbacks need to improve thier plate discipline, swinging for the big fly too much was a big problem to me when i watched the Dbacks last year.

27th in the majors in stolen bases was an amazing stat when i saw it, but when you strike out alot how can you attempt to steal a base? Stealing bases is important because you improve the hitters chances of driving in runs, strikeouts are important because late in games you may need to manufacture runs instead of getting the big fly.

For example hit-steal 2nd-single-score run. Instead of Strike out(trying for homerun)-single-single-flyout(trying for homerun)-strikeout

This must improve and it can improve with the talent/coaching on this ballclub.

T.Gordon/J.Garland/D.Davis- The Dbacks need these 3 pitchers to step up and return to form.

T.Gordon is a mystery coming off of an injury.

 J.Garland is a BIG question mark to me, I watched him pitch on a great Angels team last year and he was very unimpressive. He had every reason to put up a great year and he fell flat on his face last year. Very low strikeouts 90 k's, high 4.90 era and only 14 wins on the runaway Angels? Randy Wolf had 12 wins and a 4.30 era, he would be a total waste if not for his 162 k's. J.Garland must return to his old self.

D.Davis had a rough year and we all know why. I hope he can return to his 2007 form but he's in this area because we dont know what he can bring for a full year yet.(A great guy btw, Was very nice to me when i saw him at Dodgers stadium a while back)

Otherwise i dont see any other concerns for the Dbacks, let me know  what i may have missed. You guys know your team better than I do.

I dont predict wins or losses only Contenders. The Dbacks And the Dodgers are the only 2 teams that have a chance at winning the NL West imo.